West Kerry native Pauline Scanlon has released her new single, The Bird in The Bush. We asked her the BIG questions . . .
As a founding member of FairPlé, the role of women in the arts is central to Pauline's creative path and something she is very vocal about and dedicated to on her new album, The Unquiet, which released in April.
The Bird in the Bush is a traditional song of female sensuality. "I wanted to sing with freedom and agency and the song embodies that energy so succinctly," she says.
Speaking about the video for the new song, which was created by videographer Laura Sheeran, and features a performance by dancer Siobhán Manson , she says, "It was a real joy collaborating on the video with these two extraordinary artists. Siobhán, Laura and I toured around Galway on the hottest day of last summer to create this video.
"Their work perfectly encapsulates the immediate messages of the song as well as the more subtle and nuanced message that inform the work. I am full of admiration for both artists and hugely grateful for their collaboration.
"I wanted to platform female sexuality through the lens of traditional song, not a projected ideal, but a true representation that is owned and inherent.
"The Bird In The Bush is a playfully strident Traditional song that expresses female sexuality, untouched by judgement or shame. It is light, sensual and unapologetic, with agency and ownership."
Tell us three things about yourself?
My friends and family are the most important things in my life, I am doing a degree in NUIG as a mature student, and I love a good party.
How would you describe your music?
This is always such a hard question, folk would be the most accurate answer, but I have influences from my record collection over the years that permeates through to my work.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Really and truly my musical inspirations are my friends. I am lucky to sing with people whose music and singing I really love. Coming from West Kerry, singing has always been part of my life, and where I live in Galway now has a really amazing community of singers too.
What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?
The first gig I ever went to was The Hothouse Flowers in the CBS hall in Dingle and I shall never, EVER forget it! I reckon my first independent purchase was True Blue by Madonna, an album I’ll never tire of.
What’s your favourite song right now?
My favourite song right now is Boomerang by Yebba. So many wonderful things about it, the voice, the atmosphere, the artist.
Favourite lyric of all time?
Definitely these beautiful lines from Suzanne by Leonard Cohen: "And Jesus was a sailor when he walked upon the water, And he spent a long time watching from his lonely wooden tower, And when he knew for certain only drowning men could see him, He said all men will be sailors then until the sea shall free them".
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
There are so many tempting options, but I think I’d have to choose something that grooves along and puts a smile on my face. I choose Don’t It Drive You Crazy by The Pointer Sisters, it’s so dreamy and feel-good.
Where can people find your music/more information?
You can find me on my website.
